Effects of COPD on Quality of Life

The harmful impact COPD can have on quality of life is borne out in the results of a multi-country survey presented at 2011's European Respiratory Society's Annual Congress. COPD patients were asked how the disease affected their lifestyles:

52 percent said their condition stopped them from fulfilling their life goals or dreams.

41 percent were unable to plan for the future.

37 percent saw their household income decrease.

34 percent said COPD affected their social activities, and 58 percent were going out less.